What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal response to a threat or danger, but some people experience excessive and irrational feelings of fear that interfere with their lives. Symptoms of anxiety can include trembling, sweating, difficulty breathing, nausea, heart palpitations and panic attacks.

Usually, these feelings of anxiety only last for a short time until the threatening situation has passed. If the anxiety is severe or continues, you may need to see a mental health specialist for treatment and support.

Risk factors for developing an anxiety disorder can include a variety of environmental and genetic factors. These factors can affect how your brain responds to situations and what you think about them.

Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes can help you manage your symptoms of anxiety. These methods can help you feel better and get back to your normal life.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used treatments for anxiety disorders. This type of therapy helps you change the way you think and react to things that trigger your anxiety. CBT can also help you to learn strategies to avoid situations that can make you anxious.

Exposure therapy is another popular method of treating anxiety disorders. It involves gradually exposing you to situations that you believe might cause you anxiety, until you become more comfortable in them.

Biofeedback can also be helpful for some people who have anxiety. In this technique, you use an electroencephalograph to watch the activity in your brain and learn how to control it. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to regulate your brain waves.

Physical exercise and a healthy diet can also reduce your symptoms of anxiety. Regular exercise helps your body produce neurotransmitters that help ease stress.

Meditation can also be helpful for some people with anxiety. Taking short, 15-minute intervals of quiet time and relaxation can help calm your mind and body. You can listen to music, repeat a mantra or sip chamomile tea as part of this strategy.

A GP can refer you to a mental health professional for assessment and treatment of your anxiety. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and may carry out a psychological test or give you a questionnaire to find out how you feel in social situations.

If they think that you have a mental health problem they will refer you to a psychiatrist for diagnosis. A psychiatrist will also recommend treatment to help you cope with your symptoms.

Psychiatrists will prescribe anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs to treat your symptoms of anxiety. You will need to meet with a doctor regularly to take the medication.

Other methods of treatment are complementary health techniques and lifestyle changes. These can be yoga, meditation or self-management strategies.

The treatment of an anxiety disorder can be difficult, but with professional support you can achieve a full recovery. Some people choose to work with a therapist or psychologist who specialises in treating mental illnesses.

Medication can be helpful if you have an anxiety disorder, but you should always check with your doctor before taking any new medicine. Certain medications can cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and actions. If you are thinking about suicide, you should seek emergency medical treatment immediately.